Leinster know the Lions are a force to be reckoned with at Ellis Park
by Craig Taylor · KickOffLeinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber is under no illusions that the Lions will prove a tough nut to crack as the defending United Rugby Champions get their season underway against the Joburg-based outfit at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Irish side have brought a strong squad to South Africa, but Nienaber highlighted that Ivan van Rooyen’s charges cannot be underestimated heading into the new season.
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The Lions won the South African Shield last season and secured their highest-ever finish in the URC, ending seventh and securing Champions Cup qualification for the first time in their history.
They are a side packed with young talent and played some sublime rugby at times, with their transitional attack and ability to score from deep a highlight.
Nienaber highlighted how the Lions pushed the All Blacks all the way in their match during the Greatest Rivalry tour, eventually going down 41-35.
"The Lions are a very proud team, and they're a force to be reckoned with, as they showed when they played against the All Blacks," Nienaber said.
"Ellis Park is a ground where they really put their heart and soul into defending. So it will be a nice challenge for us."
"They won the South African conference [last season].
"There's been a South African team in the final in each of the last five finals, so it's a tough task to come to South Africa, and to the Lions as well,” he added.
Saturday’s match at Ellis Park kicks off at 13:30.
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